incontinence

noun

in·​con·​ti·​nence (ˌ)in-ˈkän-tə-nən(t)s 

: the quality or state of being incontinent

We may reasonably trust … that public sobriety will reassert itself over the political and intellectual incontinence that currently commands the headlines.

—Woody West

: such as

a

: inability of the body to control the evacuative functions of urination or defecation : partial or complete loss of bladder or bowel control

fecal incontinence

urinary incontinence

see also stress incontinence, urge incontinence

b

: failure to restrain sexual appetite

It is true that the religion of the missionaries has … effected some good. It has restrained the vices of theft and incontinence.

—Herman Melville

Examples of incontinence in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

For example, they have been found to help combat urinary incontinence, according to a December 2021 study published in the journal Healthcare. —Melanie Radzicki McManus, CNN, 13 Dec. 2024

Other potential complications include urinary or bowel incontinence, the Cleveland Clinic says. —Karen Kaplan, Los Angeles Times, 11 Dec. 2024

Work with your healthcare provider to determine the best medication for you based on your type of incontinence and any other concurrent health conditions. —Phuoc Anh (anne) Nguyen, Pharmd, Ms, Verywell Health, 12 Sep. 2024

Your provider will likely recommend different methods to treat incontinence before trying Botox. —Rosanna Sutherby, Pharmd, Verywell Health, 27 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing incontinence

• stress incontinence
• urge incontinence

Kids Definition

incontinence

noun

in·​con·​ti·​nence (ˈ)in-ˈkänt-ᵊn-ən(t)s 

: the quality or state of being incontinent

Medical Definition

incontinence

noun

in·​con·​ti·​nence (ˈ)in-ˈkänt-ᵊn-ən(t)s 

1

: inability or failure to restrain sexual appetite

2

: inability of the body to control the evacuative functions

fecal incontinence

see stress incontinence, urge incontinence